(a) What is farm surveying? (2 marks) (b) State four disadvantages of electrical power. (c) Give four reasons why farm machines should be maintained. [ 4 ma...

(a) Farm surveying

Farm surveying is the process of measuring and mapping out the boundaries, dimensions, area, shape and relative position of a piece of farmland.

(b) Four disadvantages of electrical power

1. It cannot be easily stored in large quantities.
2. It is dangerous and can cause electric shock, electrocution or fire.
3. Its installation is costly.
4. Supply is often irregular and it is not available in many remote rural areas.

(c) Four reasons why farm machines should be maintained

1. To prolong their lifespan and durability.
2. To ensure efficient performance and reduce breakdowns.
3. To reduce the cost of major repairs.
4. To prevent accidents and ensure the safety of the operator.

(d) Land as used in agriculture

Land is the natural or physical resource, including the soil and all the free gifts of nature on and under the surface, that is used for agricultural production. It is a factor of production provided by nature.

(e) How the factors affect land availability for agriculture

• (i) Population pressure: A high population increases the demand for land for houses, roads and settlement, leaving less land for farming and leading to fragmentation and over-cultivation.
• (ii) Mining: Mining takes over and destroys large areas of land and degrades the soil, so that such land can no longer be used for crop or animal production.
• (iii) Topography: Rugged, hilly, steep or waterlogged land is unsuitable for farming, so only the gentle or flat land is easily available for cultivation.